Friday, October 21, 2016

Release Day Blitz & Review : Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

Punk 57

by Penelope DouglasRelease Date:October 21st, 2016Genre:New AdultAdd to GoodreadsSource:AuthoreARC received in exchange of honest reviewSynopsis:

From New York Times Bestselling Author, Penelope Douglas, comes the latest New Adult romance of love, hate, and everything in between... "We were perfect together. Until we met." MishaI can’t help but smile at the lyrics in her letter. She misses me. In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed. It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever… And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us. Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am. We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it? Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances? F*ck it. I need to meet her. I just don’t expect to hate what I find.Ryen He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch. Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should’ve gotten his phone number or picture or something. He could be gone forever. Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it. *Punk 57 is a stand alone New Adult romance. It is suitable for ages 18+*

Penelope Douglas is one of my top 5 favorite authors. I have a huge author crush on her. All of her books are the ultimate addiction to me. There so savvy, sexy, and sensual. I like how she makes the main characters the perfect blend of naughty and nice. This adds to their appeal, and allure. I also love how her last few stories are like a puzzle, where there are secrets that need to be brought to light, everything isn't as it seems, and pieces need to be placed to make the picture complete.

Punk 57 was a sensational read. It had so many highs and so many lows. What a wild ride! More than anything, I love the deep meaning and message that the author conveyed through her story a she addresses self-esteem and bullying.

In Punk 57, we learn that Ryen and Misha were set up as pen pals in grade school. Through the years, they have formed an unbreakable bond. These two are closest to each other other. No other person knows as much about them. When Misha stops writing Ryen, she is devastated. She fears that something bad has happened to him, or that he has lost interest in her.

Misha's life is spiraling out of control. When a horrific life altering event occurs, he can't handle it. Ryen and Misha made a pact to never meet in person or see how the other person looks. She is scared that it will change their amazing friendship. They both live in different towns, and attend different high schools, so this isn't too difficult. However, at a scavenger hunt party for his band, Misha discovers Ryen. He doesn't like what he see's, and doesn't reveal who he really is to her. After Misha's life is altered, he assumes a different alias and attends Ryen's high school. He is there for two reasons, and neither of those reasons is Ryen....

When Misha is in daily contact with Ryen he abhors what he see's. She is a popular cheerleader, and acts nasty to those beneath her on the social leader. Misha is quick to put her in her place, and even though they both can't stand the other, they share a deep sexual attraction. This is the beginning of a push-pull dynamic, where these two are constantly fighting and falling for one another. Along the way, we relive the dynamics of high school life, Misha's emotional turmoil, and Ryen's secret shame, feelings of alienation, and being a fraud. She doesn't like who she is, and is missing the times where she could be who she really wanted to be with Misha. These two offered the ultimate comfort, security, and unconditional love to one another. They were each other's sounding board, gave each other perspective on life, and are truly lost with out the other.

Punk 57 added suspense and mystery, as I wondered what reasons Misha had for being at Ryen's high school. We got to meet a grade A douche bad, Cameron, who loved to sexually harass females, and beat-up the less popular males. He was the true villain of the story, and while he made things interesting, I couldn't stand him. Also, there was Ryen's best frenemy, Lyla, who was truly a vile human being. I enjoyed Misha's bandmate, Dane, who was always there for him. I also liked Ten, and J.D. There is a connection to Ms. Douglas' book, Corrupt, that I was overjoyed to discover, and I know other readers will be just as excited!!!

The sexual tension and intimacy between Ryen and Misha was super intense. Fireworks went off whenever these two were in one another's vicinity. Ms. Douglas write's some of the best sex scenes that I have ever read. She knows that the verbal sparring, push-pull, building tensions, and naughtiness, add to the ultimate in intimate scenes, and the overall story.

Rating:

I give, Punk 57, by Penelope Douglas, 4.5 Outstanding, Sensational, Hot, Addictive, and Meaningful stars! I loved trying to put all of the puzzle pieces together, and was excited by all of the plot twists and surprises along the way! This is such an amazing read, and one that I highly recommend!!!

Mikki's Review:

Punk 57, by Penelope Douglas, was on my "Most anticipated books of 2016" list. She’s an auto-buy author for me. I don’t even need to read the blurb of her new book to make me one-click. Her first novel, Bully, completely stole my breath away and is the book that I read when I need to get out of a book slump. Her characters are unforgettable and her stories linger with you for a long time. I had high expectations for Punk 57 and Penelope Douglas exceeded all of them! I already miss Ryen and Misha and look forward to reading their story again. When a book is that good, you never let it go. Ryen and Misha’s friendship started when they became pen pals. At the age of eleven, Ryen tries to find her place in the world. Things are difficult for her, but the one thing she can always count on his Misha. He always knows what to say to make her smile and bring joy to her life. As years go by, their friendship grows stronger. Their no social media, no phone numbers, no pictures rule is working out for them. Until Misha sees a picture of a girl named Ryen online. His curiosity gets the best of him. Things take a drastic turn the night he comes face-to-face with Ryen. Things are not always as they seem. Reality is about to come knocking on the door. And, it’s ugly. As the story started to develop, I knew that I was in for a roller coaster ride of emotions. The more I read this story, the more I was left speechless with the twists and turns that the author included in this book. This story was all about moments. That moment when the title starts to make sense. That moment when all the emotions that you are feeling are creating a tornado inside your soul. That moment when you simply can’t continue reading because you never want this story to end. That moment when the message that is hiding between the pages of this book becomes loud and clear. The moment when you realize that at the end of the day, there is a little bit of Ryen and Misha in all of us. The chemistry between Ryen and Misha was extremely intense. Their attraction is explosive, all-consuming and seriously hot! I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I was left fanning myself. They have a chemistry that leaves you begging for more! I loved how Ryen’s letters inspired Misha. I loved how their friendship overcame very difficult moments. Moments that have left them emotionally scared. I loved how Misha always pushed Ryen to the extreme and how she always pushed back. Together, they are perfectly imperfect. I love them to pieces and I am so happy that I finally got to read their story. It will definitely make my "Top Reads of 2016" list. If you have not read anything by Penelope Douglas yet, I highly recommend that you add her books to your TBR list. You won't be disappointed!

Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her books have been translated into ten languages and include the Fall Away Series (Bully, Until You, Rival, Falling Away, and Aflame), as well as Corrupt and Misconduct. Her New Adult romance, Punk 57, releases October 21, 2016, and Next to Never (A Fall Away Novella) is coming in January 2017. She dresses for autumn year round, loves anything lemon flavored, and shops at Target almost daily. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter.